Port Blair: With its Golden Jubilee on the horizon, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) has been tasked with taking science-led farming solutions to every corner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while preparing agriculture for the challenges of climate change and resource pressures. The institute celebrated its 49th Foundation Day at its Garacharma Research Complex on Monday, bringing together policymakers, scientists, bankers and farmers to chart the future of island agriculture.
Addressing the gathering, Pallavi Sarkar, Secretary (Agriculture, AH&VS and Fisheries), aplauded CIARI’s unique role in advancing all sectors of island agriculture—from crops and livestock to fisheries and natural resource management. She urged the institute to ensure wider outreach of its farmer-centric technologies, strengthen skill development and entrepreneurship among rural youth, and integrate climate-resilient strategies into all its research and development programmes.
Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, described CIARI as a catalyst for improving farmers’ livelihoods through research and extension services. He called for a comprehensive contingency plan for the Islands to tackle climate-related challenges, promotion of location-specific livelihood models, greater food self-sufficiency, and the preparation of a long-term State Action Plan-2047 focused on sustainable development.
NABARD General Manager K. Vijayapandian stressed that the true value of research lies in translating technologies into tangible benefits for farmers. He also highlighted the need to commercialize innovations and leverage the Islands’ seven GI-tagged products to create higher income opportunities.
Earlier, CIARI Director Dr. Jai Sunder showcased the institute’s achievements, including the recommendation of 18 crop varieties for release, successful integrated farming models, patent-backed innovations, and ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture through the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
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The celebration featured exhibitions of crop varieties, technologies and innovations developed by the institute and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras, a farmer-scientist interaction session, release of six technical publications, and awards to progressive farmers, scientists and staff members for their contributions to island agriculture.
